The competition-specific updates and competitor preparation instructions listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, the professional development test study guide, national competitor online submissions, testing requirements, and more. A competition update includes information not already published in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards but that a competitor and/or advisor must know for the national competition. State specific competition updates are not available on the national website.
Important Notes (Updated 7-24-2025)
Competitor Keys to Success and General Resources (Updated 7-24-2025)
Uploading digital documents—such as scanned binders or portfolios—allows technical committees to review scorable components before the event. Failure to upload in the correct format may result in point deductions. Physical copies must still be presented on-site for review.
While the use of the provided resume template is optional, all competitors must follow the naming convention, save their file as a PDF, and adhere to page limits.
A printed resume may be brought on competition day; however, failure to upload the resume in advance will still incur a penalty. Be sure to review the Technical Standards as some competitions also require a printed copy.
Resources include:
These rubrics integrate SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom and help develop workforce readiness skills. Reviewing the sample rubric for your event can provide useful insights into judging expectations.
The Technical Standards indicate which events require a competition-specific knowledge test. The type (online, paper, or onsite) and the deadline are determined in collaboration with national partners. Competition updates will notify national competitors if their competition-specific knowledge test will be administered pre-conference.
The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) does NOT accept direct shipments to its physical address. Shipping must be arranged independently through a commercial carrier—both delivery to and return from Atlanta.
Shipping is not an automatic process; consideration should be made for potential expenses when shipping competition materials using a commercial carrier. SkillsUSA will not be held responsible for improperly labeled shipments, shipping damage, lost shipments, and/or delayed delivery. SkillsUSA is not responsible for locating lost shipments if items are shipped directly to GWCC.
This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2025-26 school year is: SkillsUSA: Champion Your Future.
Competition-specific updates will be posted here as needed. These updates will be published as soon as they are finalized by the technical committees. Competitors are responsible for reviewing these updates to ensure they have the most current information regarding pre-conference requirements.
Note: If a competition requires an online, competition-specific knowledge test as part of the pre-conference requirements, instructions for completing the test will also be listed below as part of the competition-specific updates.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
Tips and Reminders for National Competitors’ Demonstrations
To ensure a successful demonstration and adhere to SkillsUSA standards, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
By following these tips, competitors will meet SkillsUSA standards and expectations for a professional and effective demonstration. Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by April 2026.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
AST 6.0 — Perform suspension and steering related tasks identified in the Automobile Suspension and Steering Task List (ASE Test 4)
6.1. – Perform pre alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height
6.2. – Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
6.3. – Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations
6.4. – Dismount, inspect and remount tire on wheel
6.5. – Balance tire and wheel assembly
6.6. – Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss
6.7. – Repair tire using an internal patch
6.8. – Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
6.9. – Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.
6.10. – Identify and inspect steering components
6.11. – Identify and inspect suspension components
6.12. – Use reference materials provided
6.13. – Use tools provided to complete the above tasks.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.
In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Baking and Pastry Arts must also complete two (2) online third-party assessments by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.
The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Mannequin Information for National Competition
The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
Tips and Reminders
The use of any device to generate haze or smoke is strictly prohibited in all competitions.
By following these tips, teams can create a practical and impressive display, meeting SkillsUSA standards and expectations.
The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:
Mannequin Information for National Competition
The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.
In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Culinary Arts must also complete an online third-party assessment by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
The required pre-conference briefings, timeline, and submission link for the online short film will be published here. The first digital cinema national competition briefing will be held in April and is an overview of the pre-conference requirements and timeline. The film prompt will be published in May and national competitors will have approximately one week to complete the pre-conference assignments.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC in November 2025.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
Per the national technical standards, the design problem will be posted on the Thursday prior to the competition’s start. Competitors are expected to complete the design before arriving at the competition and will present their design proposal during the competition.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
Please come prepared to ensure a smooth and successful start to your competition experience.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by December 2025.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
Update to Skill Performance Requirements
Following a comprehensive review of the competition structure and venue logistics, the Technical Committee has determined that the pedicure skill performance will no longer be included in the competition.
This decision was made due to the physical setup and logistical limitations of performing a pedicure within a convention center environment, which places unnecessary strain on competitors.
As a result, the pedicure station has been removed from the list of evaluated skills. The points previously allocated to this performance have been reallocated to other components of the competition to ensure a balanced and comprehensive assessment of competitors’ technical abilities.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and their discussion paper.
By May 5, all competitors will receive an important email that explains how to access their Competitor Materials Portal.
The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:
The national competitors in Quiz Bowl are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive an email with their login credentials by May 5.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by December 2025.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.
The technical committee for the Welding Sculpture competition has provided the following clarification for the 2024-26 Technical Standards competition guidelines 4.e. Projects are to be left unpainted, including primers and other coatings (except for clear coating).
Clarification on Chemical Treatments for the Welding Sculpture Competition: